Sept.16, 2009

September 16, 2009

The

Glendale College

Station Fire, the largest

in Los Angeles City’s history, strikes close to campus.

Story page 5 Photo by Jane Pojawa

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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LETTERS

El Vaquero Board of Trustees Talks Glendale Community College

editor in chief

Brandon Hensley

NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR CAMPUS EVENTS EDITOR

Isiah Reyes Amy Hirsch

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Jesse Gutierrez

STAFF WRITERS

Aris Allahverdian AnnaLinda Andersson Ashley Chang Daniel Choi Anissa Clarke Judy Del Castillo

Agnes Constante Angelica Fraire Cindy Garcia Vera Iwanoff Chloe Vignolles-Jeong Yesenia Pereyra

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Richard Kontas Allan Beglarian Shaun Kelly Production Manager

Jane Pojawa

design adviser

Charles Eastman

faculty adviser

Michael Moreau

mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214

advertising

Jeff Smith

jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 1427

El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at editor@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349.

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Programs, Budget Cuts

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

A

variety of topics ranging from the current college budget, to the CEO hiring process to the new Verdugo Power Academy program were discussed at the board of trustees meeting Monday in Kreider Hall.

The balanced budget for the 2009-10 year seemed to be hopeful for the near future, but on Thursday the predicted sum of $130 million of federal stimulus funds has been cut down to $37 million, reducing GCC’s share down to $900,000.

Part-time parity funds have been reduced by $363,000. The partial difference has decreased from 10.1 percent to 5.96 percent.

They will lose between $1.80 and $2.60 of pay per hour.

The budget represents a financial plan for the operating year based on the state’s adopted budget.

“We had more students trying to add classes than in my memory,” interim president Dawn Lindsay said. “And I wanted to publicly thank the faculty because they added as many students as they could into their classes so as to meet the needs of the students without incurring extra costs.”

After the final budget is approved by the board, modifications will be brought to the board for consideration and approval throughout the year to recognize changes in revenue and to allocate or reallocate resources to achieve program objectives.

The Board of Trustees Advisory Hiring Committee (BTAHC) is charged by the board of trustees with the responsibility

of conducting a national search using all available resources.

The BTAHC is searching for a president of the college, and they will identify the most outstanding and qualified candidates for presidency.

The committee will be composed of certified administrators, classified employees, community members and students of the ASGCC. One of the objectives of the committee is to ensure that there is a qualified candidate ready to take over as CEO on July 1, 2010. The board of trustees will interview the ranked finalists selected by the BTAHC and check their backgrounds through campus visits, phone interviews and other appropriate forms of investigations.

An eight-minute video by the Verdugo Power Academy, showcased its new program on campus — a program that can open the doors to starting salaries of $60,000 to $70,000 for graduates.

The Verdugo Power Academy addresses the projected shortage of utility workers to fill positions in the power utility industry and the challenges in recruiting and retention by creating a local source to produce qualified candidates.

“This is a career in technical education at its finest,” said Scott Rubke, chairman of the technology and aviation division.

The program is intended to raise awareness and interest in careers in utilities and to focus on training workforce from the local community.

“Our quest is to establish a new program that meets the changing needs of today’s workforce,” said Lindsay.

The one-semester course is

composed of 600 hours of class time.

Randy States is a teacher in the academy who has been inducted into the International Lineman’s Hall of Fame. He has more than 50 years of experience.

“I’ve been in this business for 58 years and I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing,” States said.

Having the power academy at GCC isn’t necessarily breaking any new ground, as other schools, such as the L.A. Trade Tech, have similar programs.

The Glendale Verdugo Workforce Investment Board (WIB) will provide for payment of student fees as well as instructional supplies and materials needed for the class. The revenue will be split between GCC and WIB. GCC is planning on collaborating with Glendale Water & Power, the WIB and CSUN, which will allow students to take the new course at the Glendale Power Academy, start their career, then transfer and possibly earn a bachelor’s degree and move up in their academic careers.

Jean Perry and Ira Heffler then took some time to speak about their speech and debate team’s accomplishments during the meeting.

“We’re proud to tell you that this last April, we came in first place among the two-year colleges,” Heffler said. “[Among the four-year colleges], competing against 240 colleges, we’re proud to tell you, that in the middle division, we came in first place.”

The next board of trustees meeting will be held in Kreider Hall on Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.

Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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OBITUARY

Jet Skiing Accident Claims Life of Dancer

By Brandon Hensley

EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

T

ired and gleaming with sweat, Victor Robles sat back on his couch next to his desk, exhausted from another day of teaching dance. A new semester had begun. Life goes on.

The next day, Dora Krannig, head of the dance department, met with new and returning students, followed by a faculty meeting.

Business as usual, because life goes on.

Or it doesn’t.

For 25-year-old Chanisar “June” Dechakaisaya, her life was just beginning. Six years after first enrolling at GCC, she graduated this spring, receiving her certificate in choreographic studies and dance technique.

Teachers raved about her abilities.

Students were drawn to her friendly disposition.

She was planning on taking a semester off to ponder her next move, possibly to teach or intern somewhere. It was the first summer of the rest of her life.

On Aug. 9, Dechakaisaya was Jet Skiing with friends at Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino. At 2:05 p.m. she was on a watercraft near the shoreline when a 15-year-old boy riding a 2000 Yamaha three-seater jumped a wave and struck Dechakaisaya in the head. Her friends pulled her out of the water but Dechakaisaya was unconscious. She wouldn’t wake up again.

Dechakaisaya was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 3:06 p.m.

A beautiful young woman known for the way she gracefully moved her choreographed body across a dance floor lay motionless in an instant due to the unpredictable movement of water.

Her memorial was held on Aug. 22 at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Inside the small, humid chapel, over 100 friends, family, and teachers gathered to console each other, and to celebrate her life.

While her friends in Southern California mourned the tragedy, her parents traveled from their home in Thailand to say goodbye to their daughter.

The service was a moving tribute to Dechakaisaya’s life and the impact she had on so many. There were two separate

videos dedicated to her. Hymns were sung and friends shared memories. Her father tried to speak, but could barely get out any words.

In describing her, it seems anyone who knew her could pick from an assortment of superlatives as if they grew on trees.

“Everyone loved her,” said professor emeritus of Dance Lynn McMurrey.

One of Dechakaisaya’s closest friends, Chad Klunglukchup, called her a comforting presence, and said no matter how her day was going, she was always there for him. “She had a smile for everybody,” he said.

And a heart to match.

Her closest friend in dance, Akyaka Fushimi, came over from Japan two years ago.

While Fushimi was struggling to learn the culture and the English language, Dechakaisaya befriended her, doing a lot for Fushimi’s self-confidence. “I didn’t speak English really well when I met her, but she didn’t care about my difficulty in English.

She was really patient,” Fushimi said.

Dechakaisaya took her to the movies, out shopping, and to church. Fushimi couldn’t put what was best about her in a nutshell. “A lot of things,” she said through watery eyes.

Dance Instructor Phyllis Eckler called Dechakaisaya “A bright star, [who] got along great with all the students.”

Robles admired her ability to seamlessly integrate herself in a crowded room. She added his Jazz Performance class over a week late last year, but it wasn’t a problem for her. “The kids here already formed cliques, they formed their groups, and she came in and I would have thought she had known them forever.

She fit right in. She was very personable,” Robles recalled.

On the dance floor, Dechakaisaya was “clean, persistent, and precise,” said Robles. Eckler described her as a natural talent. But it took time for her to tap into her potential.

“During the time she was in my choreography class and dance history, I realized that she was sometimes performing under her level, and I talked to her about it and she started to blossom,” Kranning said. “I took some time and got to know her.” What did Krannig find?

JET SKI ACCIDENT: Thai native Chanisar Dechakaisaya, known to friends as “June,” was killed on Aug. 9 in a collision on Silverwood Lake.

“I found out she was extremely intelligent with a very bright future if she wanted it.”

McMurrey, who directed Dechakaisaya in several performances, said she was initially “inconsistent. You had to pin her down and then for the last few semesters you didn’t because she suddenly got it and took off with it, and there was no limit to where I think she could have gone.”

Now, the overriding sentiment within the department is the grief over what might have been, for Dechakaisaya the dancer, and the person.

“The tragedy of it all is that she made the commitment...She was ready to go to the next level,” said Robles.

“It’s just so sad to see somebody so young, vibrant and motivated come to an untimely death,” echoed Eckler.

The one who may have been most affected is Krannig. “It’s such a loss to lose a girl who was 25 and just starting to go out there do something,” she said. Krannig was in Switzerland when the accident happened, and could not attend the memorial.

She feels because of that, the

other instructors were able to find closure, something still alluding her.

The department has decided to dedicate “Phanatics,” a performance opening later this fall, to Dechakaisaya. “I think that will bring a lot more peace,” said Krannig.

As new freshmen arrive on campus and older ones leave, the number of current students who knew Dechakaisaya have

dwindled. That doesn’t mean the heart of the dance department in the Sierra Nevada building has been fully repaired. Life will go on, and so will Dechakaisaya’s memory. Because it has to.

“She was a good one,” said Krannig, “and I’d like to know she’s out there.”

Brandon Hensley can be reached at brandon_hensley @elvaq.com

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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NEWS

Student Killed in Speed-Related Accident

By Judy Del Castillo EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

ina Uguryan, a recent graduate of Clark Magnet High School who attended classes at GCC was killed in a traffic accident on the evening of Aug 13.

Uguryan, 18, was the passenger in a Nissan sports car driven by her boyfriend, Robert Vardanyan.

Vardanyan, 21, was also killed in the collision. Both were residents of Glendale.

The accident occurred on the Colorado Street off-ramp from the southbound Golden State (5) freeway. Vardanyan was speeding and had just cut off a motorist before crashing into a tree, killing both himself and Uguryan. The off-ramp exit was closed for several hours as the accident was investigated and the wreckage cleared away.

Patrick Cleary, a resident of Atwater Village, said, “I drive the freeway everyday and the traffic through that stretch is pretty desperate in the right three lanes.

When approaching Colorado, cars are merging into a single lane and everyone going 65 [mph] tries to

change lanes so they won’t have to slow down, and so people get cut off and upset there. Also, Colorado is where people bail when the traffic is jammed.”

John Kades, Captain of the Investigator’s Division at the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office, confirmed that the cause of death for Uguryan was “traumatic injuries.”

Toxicology tests performed on Vardanyan will take several more weeks to complete.

These tests will determine whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident.

CHP Altadena Division clerk, Karen, said that the accident report is still being reviewed as of press time.

Ani Kazaryan, a close friend of Uguryan’s from Clark, described Uguryan as “an amazing and gorgeous person” and expressed the need for privacy as friends and family struggle to come to terms with their loss.

“I just want to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who’s been writing such heartfelt things about our Tina,” she said. “I really don’t want any personal information said because it’s her family and my Teeny would want

SPEEDING ACCIDENT CLAIMS TWO LIVES: The Nissan driven by Robert Vardanyan was crushed beyond recognition when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.

it that way… her family and all our friends are going through a tough time and me, Cristina and Ani A. [classmates Cristina Arakelyan and Ani Alaverdyan] appreciate all the love that’s

been surrounding us and all the support.

“We lost a part of ourselves and gained a part of her. She will never be gone to any of us. Really you guys, drive safe. I would

never wish this kind of pain on anyone.”

Ironically, Uguryan’s father is a driving instructor. She was an only child.

Judy Del Castillo can be reached at Judy_Del_Castillo@elvaq.com

Reward for Slain Student’s Murder Renewed the $50,000 reward for any information.

The extension of the reward, which EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER expires on Nov. 14, was confirmed by here are still no suspects in the murder Devonshire homicide Detective Michael of GCC student Hayk Oganyan, who Fesperman, though a new date has not been was killed at a Northridge party on April decided yet. When asked if anyone has 11, but the L.A. City Council will renew come forward, Fesperman said, “We have nothing at this time,” since the incident occurred five months ago.

The Glendale Armenian Athletic Association, or simply referred to as Hommenmen, held a fundraiser in Oganyan’s memory on May 31. The event raised more than $3,000 for the Hayk Oganyan Charity.

“The fundraiser was just for the youths to eat, and his family spoke about Hayk and the charity,” said Vahan Khodanian, director of public relations.

“We raised money from food, donations, and T-shirts.”

The Hayk Oganyan Charity was founded by Oganyan’s mother to stop gang violence and VICTIM: Hayk Oganyan, a popular GCC student, was award scholarships to Armenian stabbed by an unknown assailant on April 11. His killer students. remains at large.

By Judy Del Castillo

T

“His mom… when [Hayk] was gone, that’s it. She has a daughter, but she’s only 1 or 2-years-old.

Pretty much all she had was Hayk, and so she tries to live his life through the organization,” said Khodanian.

Regarding any upcoming events, Khodanian said one is in the works with the Armenian rapper, RMean, who volunteered to have a free concert to benefit the charity, although an actual date is still uncertain.

Oganyan was killed during an attempted robbery when three men, who were described as Latinos with SUSPECT: This police sketch of the killer was released shaved heads in their early 20s, to the public on April 16. Anyone with information reapproached him and his friend as garding this individual or the murder is asked to contact they were leaving the party shortly Devonshire Homicide Detective Michael Fesperman at before midnight. Both were stabbed (818) 832-0609. even as they surrendered their to the arrest of the persons involved is wallets — Oganyan in the chest and neck. urged to call Detective Michael Fesperman He died later that evening at Northridge or Detective Jeff Sandefur from the Los Hospital from a severed artery. Detective Angeles Police Department Devonshire Fesperman said gang involvement is Division at (818) 832-0609. possible, but it cannot be confirmed until a suspect is arrested.

Judy Del Castillo can be reached at Judy_Del_Castillo@elvaq.com Anyone with any information leading

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

5

NEWS

Station Fire Strikes Close to Campus

By Isiah Reyes

EL VAQUERO NEWS/FEATURES EDITOR

Cover Story

L

os Angeles County’s largest fire in history smoldered houses, blazed trees and burned through the state’s firefighting budget as thousands of residents, including GCC students, were affected by the raging inferno.

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Station Fire has burned 157,220 acres of land, destroyed 78 homes and threatened another 7,000 structures. It is only one of the many fires that have been consuming the foothills near Los Angeles since it broke out on Aug. 26, at 3:20 p.m.

Other fires include the Morris Fire (at least five injuries reported); the Oak Glen Fire (threatened 2,000 homes) and the Rancho Palos Verdes Fire (near Long Beach, burning 235 acres).

The estimated cost of damage is $57.6 million. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has stated that the funding to fight the fires does not come from the state budget. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been authorized to use federal funds to help fight the Station Fire.

“The bottom line is we will take whatever actions are necessary to ensure the budget will never be an obstacle to put crews on these wildfires,” Schwarzenegger’s finance spokesman H.D. Palmer

said.

The government has already spent more than half of its annual firefighting budget two months into the fiscal year.

About 27,000 or more low-risk inmates were released to fight the fires. They are useful for their cheap, abundant labor.

Tragically, Fire Fighter Specialist Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones, 34, and Fire Captain Tedmund D. “Ted” Hall, 47, lost their lives to the fire as they tried to protect their fire-crew camp, made up mostly of prison inmates.

Around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 30, in the Mount Gleason area, south of Acton, Hall and Quinones guided 55 inmates and several corrections and fire personnel into a dining hall to protect them from the fire.

Soon after, as they searched for an escape on an engine truck, they plummeted 800 feet down the mountainside, falling to their deaths.

Quinones leaves behind his pregnant wife, Loressa, who is awaiting the couple’s first child in the next few weeks. Hall is survived by his wife, Katherine, sons Randall, 21, and Steven, 20, and parents, Roland Ray and Donna Marie Hall.

Officials state that the fires were set by an arsonist. Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials started a homicide investigation Sept.

3, while the L.A. City Council added $50,000 to the already established $100,000 reward

Photo by Jane Pojawa

THE LARGEST FIRE IN THE HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY: Fire crews were able to save many threatened houses and lives but not the more than 250 square miles of forest that succcumbed to the flames.

set by the state of California for the arrest and conviction of the arsonist responsible for the fires.

To determine how the flames began, Jeff Tunnell, a wildfire investigator for the Bureau of Land Management, said, “Fire creates evidence as well as destroys it. We can follow fire progression back to the point at which it started.”

More than 4,800 firefighters have been battling the fires. A total of seven helicopters, 11 air tankers, 433 fire engines, and 60 bull dozers were being used in the

KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY: Tedmund “Ted” Hall, and Fire Fighter Specialist Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones, were killed when their truck plunged over a cliff. Both men had served at stations in the local community.

firefight, officials said.

About 21 firefighters have been injured battling the Station Fire.

The fires eventually lowered in intensity due to favorable weather conditions.

According to the Air Quality Management District, the air quality from Santa Clarita through Riverside all the way to Palm Springs and even further out east is at moderate, which is a step more harmful than “good” air.

Although air quality is often unhealthy without fires, the quality of air during the firestorm was almost hazardous when the firestorm was at its strongest and any outdoor activity was discouraged.

The Salvation Army set up a mobile kitchen at La Canada High School in the West San Gabriel Valley to help feed evacuees who have taken off from their homes. It is only one of the many evacuation centers established in response to the fires.

Some evacuation centers for residents include La Canada High School, Verdugo Hills High School and Golden Valley High School. Several animal evacuation centers include Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Pierce College (for horses, mules and donkeys) and Agoura Animal Shelter (for small animals only).

The Wildlife Waystation, located in Little Tujunga Canyon, provides sanctuary to wild and

exotic animals from around the world. About 90 percent of the 400 animals that reside at the Waystation were evacuated to safety.

Some members of the GCC faculty were affected as well. Ken Gray, theater arts professor, lost his home to the flames in Tujunga and Jean Perry, department chairperson of the language arts division, evacuated to her friend’s house in Tujunga rather than the La Canada’s High School gym.

The fires have raised many questions about home insurance.

Allstate was among other insurance companies answering questions to concerned evacuees in tents outside evacuation centers.

The estimated containment date for the Station Fire was Sept.

15, and as the fire proved to be less and less of a threat to houses, evacuees were being let back into their homes to see what still remains.

People wishing to donate money to help the families of the two fatally injured firefighters can send donations to: Memorial fund at the F&A Credit Union, P.O. Box 30831, Los Angeles, CA 90030-9972.

[See related articles, pages 6-8 and 10-11] Isiah Reyes can be reached at isiah_reyes@elvaq.com

6

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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NEWS

Fall Semester Starts as Station Fire Rages

By Annalinda Anderson and Aris Allahverdian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITERS

A

s the Station Fire in La Canada and Tujunga raged on into September and the first days of classes, the Glendale College Web site advised students to stay at home if they were sensitive to smoke.

Meanwhile, the college opened as planned on Aug 31.

“There has been no difference from other semester starts,” said Ron Harlan, dean of Instructional Services. “ People are very dedicated at this school and the fire has just caused a minor impact on the attendance.”

Professors were asked to be “flexible” regarding the first day of school due to the state of emergency, and students who stayed home were promised that they would not be dropped from their classes.

For some who did come to campus, it wasn’t easy.

Arbi Hartounian, 25, a communications major, described how demanding it was for him to walk from parking lot 34 to his class.

“I work out daily, but because of the ash, my daily workouts have been cut in half. I can’t breathe, let alone smoke a cigarette,” he said.

“The walk from my car to class is even tiring; it’s like I am having trouble breathing.”

“The ashes caused me to have a running nose, and my eyes were red and itchy all day. No joke I sneezed like 50 times,” said student Sevana Tamrazian.

Tamrazian also works at Wilson Middle School in Glendale, which she said was closed for three days.

Despite the air quality, the health center on campus did not have any extra visitors the first days of classes.

“I am surprised that no one has come in for treatment,” said Registered Nurse Sharon Horejsi.

She figured the people who are sensitive and aware of their conditions stayed home.

Several students disagreed with the decision of the campus to remain open. Even if they did not visit the Health Center, many students visited GCC’s Facebook page and posted their experience of the first day of school on its Wall.

When asked, all of the students who did experience health problems on or to their way to campus thought the school should have postponed the start date for the fall semester until the air became cleaner.

“I just got a car wash and it went to waste,” said 24 year-old student Hourik Harapetian.“Our

whole lobby at the bank smelled like smoke too,” she said of her workplace. Harapetian had a difficult time driving, comparing it to ”Dante’s Peak..” “It was like driving by an erupting volcano.”

Even though students were not dropped, some of them believe they will have a hard time catching up for the missed classes. One of them is 32year-old biology major Shaudi Pishvaie.

“The smoke definitely affected me,” said Pishvaie. “I have asthma that I finally had under some control. Walking to and from my car to classes and around campus reversed that on the first Monday.”

Pishvaie experienced labored breathing, coughing, irritated and watery eyes and needed to use her rescue inhaler excessively. She did not return to class on the following Wednesday or Friday, nor did she go to the college bookstore to purchase her books. She said her health was more important to her.

“Because of this, I feel that I got off to a bad start and will end up dropping one of my courses.”

Aris Allahverdian can be reached at Aris_Allahverdian@elvaq.com Annalinda Anderson can be reached at Annalinda_Anderson@elvaq.com

Photo by Alvaro Morales

SMOKE AND ASH: Particulates in the air from the Station Fire have caused local conditions to range from “hazardous” to “moderate,” according to the Air Quality Management District [AQMD]. For more information on regional air quality visit http://www2.aqmd.gov/webappl/gisaqi2/VEMap3D.aspx

Evacuations Affect Campus Community

By Daniel Choi

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

J

ean Perry, chair of the Language Arts division at Glendale College and hundreds of other La Canada Flintridge residents evacuated their homes on Aug. 27 in flight from the Station Fire.

She received a call around midnight. She grabbed her daughter, a senior at La Canada High School, and her three dogs, hopped in the car and drove off.

Perry, who lives about two blocks from the Angeles National Forest, prepared for the evacuation beforehand.

“We had packed a few things, but it’s always a shock when that phone call comes,” said Perry.

“We grabbed photo albums and pictures off the walls, things that weren’t insured.”

“I remember standing in my living room looking around and thinking there were big, big items we couldn’t pack. We didn’t quite know what to do or what to take.”

To give displaced residents a place to stay, Red Cross set up an evacuation center at La Canada High School on Aug. 28. The center sheltered a little over 100 evacuees at its peak. While some settled in for a lengthy stay, others either returned home or decided to spend the remainder of their time as evacuees at a friend’s or relative’s home.

Many of the residents checked in at the La Canada center to contemplate their next steps. On the other hand, Perry, like many others, previously arranged to stay with a friend. The college’s ESL Division Chair, Kathleen Flynn, welcomed Perry and her family into her home in Tujunga.

At the La Canada center, situated inside the school’s old gym, temperatures rose and remained high due to body heat and the absence of an air conditioning system.

“With the smoke and the heat, it wasn’t the most comfortable shelter. But it certainly wasn’t the most uncomfortable shelter I’ve ever worked,” said Sam Burgess, shelter manager for the Red Cross.

To offset the smoke and the heat emanating from the fire, Los Angeles County donated two swamp coolers to circulate the air, cooling temperatures

considerably.

Red Cross provided evacuees with basic essentials such as shelter and clothing. It also provided comfort kits that included soap, deodorant, towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Evacuees were provided military-style cots and blankets.

Red Cross also provided food and water. According to Burgess, local businesses, including Ralphs, Vons, and Starbucks, donated meals.

“We were really spoiled by the local community,” said Burgess.

“We were well fed. Believe me, La Canada Flintridge went out of its way for this shelter. It was unbelievable.... The Red Cross was appreciative of that.”

Along with the necessities came luxuries in the form of a large screen television and games for children.

Various services were also readily available. Allstate and State Farm insurance set up tents outside the shelter to provide answers for evacuees who had questions regarding home insurance. Medical and mental health personnel were on hand, along with a sheriff deputy and five or six Red Cross workers.

The Fire Department visited everyday to give updates on the fire, information that preceded news broadcasts.

[See Evacuation, page 7]

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

7

NEWS

Professor Loses House to Station Fire

By Vera Iwanoff

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

K

en Gray, who taught theater arts at the college for 30 years, lost his home to the Station Fire on Sept. 1.

Gray had left for a vacation in Germany a couple weeks prior to the start of the fire.

Gray’s friend and former student, Travis Riner was housesitting the cabin in Big Tujunga Canyon, which was known as Stonyvale.

The fire started on Aug. 26, and by the time Riner realized that Gray’s home was in danger, the roads had been blocked and he was unable to go up to the cabin to collect Gray’s valuables or even to save his cats.

“He tried very hard to get up there, for days, before the house burned but the fire had caused road closures,” Gray said of Riner.

Gray got back from his vacation on Aug. 29. At that point the fire had been blazing for three days.

Gray had already been informed about the Station Fire and was in touch with a fire marshall via e-mail.

Gray had arrived in his Northern California home in Emeryville to attend a play on Sunday before he would head back to his Tujunga home. He found out through an e-mail from the fire marshall that his home had burned the previous day.

“We believe that the fire got to the home on Saturday, although it officially had burned down on Sunday,” said Riner.

“It’s been a bad year,” Gray said numerous times. After suddenly losing his spouse last November he became very depressed, leading to an illness which kept him hospitalized throughout much of the month of April.

To make matters worse, Gray did not have fire insurance on his home.

He said that he didn’t know his spouse had let the fire insurance on the house lapse and in his depressed state he could do very little to deal with it. In order to reinstate his fire insurance he was told that he would have to clear the brush 300 feet away from his house even though this was land he did not own.

His other option was to pay $5,000 to reinstate the insurance and to then pay $3,000 per month to keep it, a very large sum of money to be paid especially in an area that is not usually prone to fires.

“When I was in L.A. I really loved going to that cabin,” said Gray. “I kept most of my homebase things at the cabin. It was a beautiful retreat, and losing it… losing photo albums, I had some rare books, rare collectible books.

“Mementos from my 30 years of teaching at Glendale College

Evacuation [Evacuation, from page 6]

While the evacuation center remained open until the following Thursday, Perry was informed that she could return home that Monday.

Perry’s home was untouched by the fire, but she said, “I was amazed and a little amused to see that the one and only thing that burned was one carnation bud which apparently had been hit by an ember.”

The fire, which continued to spread in all directions, eventually affected the cities of Altadena, La Crescenta, and Tujunga. Evacuation centers were also set up in La Crescenta and Tujunga.

Flynn evacuated her home in Tujunga around the time Perry

returned home. Appropriately, Perry took her in.

After settling in and getting some much-needed rest, Perry had time to reflect.

“I think I heard from everyone I knew across the nation calling me. ‘Are you okay? Are you okay?’” she said. “So it makes you get in touch with everyone you know.

“But you also begin to think about what it’s really like to face the prospect of losing everything you have. And it doesn’t matter if you have a safe or a safety deposit box.... It really makes you think.”

Daniel Choi can be reached at Daniel_Choi@elvaq.com

ALL THAT’S LEFT: Theater arts professor Ken Gray lost his home in Big Tujunga Canyon to the Station Fire.

were in that house and they’re all gone, burned to the ground.

Posters of plays that I’d done over the years, old programs from the plays that I’d done over the years, they’re gone,” said Gray.

“We all love Ken. He has taken students under his wing and become more of a father figure than a teacher and we would do anything for him,” said Riner.

“He is one of the strongest men I have ever met, going through all this… .The cabin was a beautiful place where love and happiness flourished and grew and we will miss it with all our hearts.

“We lost objects, a house, our cats and many other things

in the fire but we still have our memories and each other and no one can take that from us,” said Riner of Gray.

Gray was already back in Glendale on Sept. 4 about to jump back into work, with an evening class at 6 p.m. He is currently staying with a fellow GCC professor.

On Sept. 7, a group of about 10 of Gray’s former students went up to his house and cleaned up the rubble. The event was organized

by Riner and his girlfriend Tiffany Brain, whom Gray had called his “sweet children.”

Former student Marianne Tomlin, 24, was one of the

students who participated.

“Ken wasn’t with us for that part of the day, but later on we visited him where he’s staying and had a barbecue,” Tomlin said.

“He seemed to be in good spirits considering the circumstances.”

The Glendale Community College theater arts department has set up a fund to help Gray through these difficult times. Any contributions should be given directly to Kristine Hanna in AU 118-A. For information, call (818) 240-1000 ext. 5773 or email khanna@glendale.edu.

Vera Iwanoff can be reached at Vera_Iwanoff@elvaq.com

Photo by Daniel Choi

COMMUNITY MEETING: The Station Fire Incident Management Team held a community meeting at the Pasadena Church of Nazarene’s Lee Chapel on Sept. 3 to speak with residents of surrounding communities. Incident Commander Mike Dietrich, along with an official from the Sheriff Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Pasadena Fire Department, spoke on behalf of the team.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

www.elvaq.com

NEWS

Music Teachers Watched Fire From Home

By Agnes Constante EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

t was the first time that GCC music professors Byron and Clare Delto had been so close to a fire. But from their home in Sunland the Deltos had front-row seats to the blazing flames of the Station Fire on Aug. 29.

A voluntary evacuation was issued to residents in the Tujunga area that Saturday morning.

The Deltos had prepared for the possibility that the evacuation would become mandatory. They had packed all their necessities and personal belongings and had placed them by the door.

“We were nervous for a

couple of days. It was only about a half-mile from our house, so we had everything ready to go just in case,” Byron said.

Even as the fire seemed to threaten their neighborhood, the evacuation in the Tujunga area never became mandatory.

They opted to stay and brace themselves for the possibility of the fire coming into contact with their home. It never did, but, they did experience some minor repercussions of the fire.

One effect of the fire was excessive ash fall in the area.

“It was like being in a smoke cloud. It was very bad, and it was pretty thick,” Byron said.

With large quantities of ash

fall, the Deltos were essentially breathing smoke for the next three days. Although the couple did leave the air conditioning on while the fire ravaged the area, this only filtered the smoky atmosphere and did not help in actually clearing it.

“We were watching the fire every minute we were home,” Byron said of the days that the fire affected the area, which proved stressful for them.

The stress affected Clare in the evenings, as she was constantly thinking about the danger the fire posed.

“It was very hard to sleep at night, especially because I had a view out my bedroom window of

the fire. I would finally fall asleep then wake up to check if the fire moved,” she said.

When the fire stopped burning in the Tujunga area, the Deltos spent four to five hours cleaning up the ashes that polluted their residence. Ashes coated their patio, deck and all outside furniture.

Despite the stress they experienced from their proximity to the fire, both Byron and Clare were optimistic about the entire situation.

“Sometimes we have unfortunate events that happen and we just have to be prepared,” Clare said.

The Deltos just bought their

home in Sunland this past April, and while there is the continual threat of fires in their area, they recognize that fires can happen anywhere. They have fire insurance for their residence, and are fond of their house and neighbors.

The Deltos’ home is now out of danger, but the couple repeatedly emphasized how they felt that the fire’s impact on them was relatively minor compared to that on others, including GCC’s own Ken Gray, who unfortunately lost his home Big Tujunga Canyon.

Agnes Constante can be reached at Agnes_Constante@elvaq.com

Pets Evacuated by Pasadena Humane Society

By Cindy Garcia

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

M

ore than 350 animals were evacuated from the fire in the La Canada Flintridge area to an evacuation center by the Pasadena Humane Society on Aug. 27.

The evacuation center accommodated a broad variety of domestic and wild animals such as dogs, cats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks, parrots, wild cats, sneaks and spiders, said the Vice President of Community Resources Ricky Whitman.

Some animals were stressed, scared and confused during the time they were sent to the evacuation center.

“Animals rely on scent, so every scent that they had was different,” said Whitman. “They could smell the fire and see things that were really unfamiliar to them and their normal patterns were totally changed.”

Some stressed animals were calmed down with a homeopathic solution called “rescue remedy” in substitutions of tranquilizers.

A parrot was killed during the evacuation and no other animals were injured.

Over 400 active volunteers helped out in the center, working 12-hour shifts in order to maintain the shelter be open 24 hours. All the volunteers were previously trained to serve in natural disasters and emergency situations.

Some of the Pasadena Humane Society staff helped out in Hurricane Katrina, which prepared them for the fire evacuation.

“We had first hand experience [in Hurricane Katrina] which helped us prepare for this,” said Whitman.

The Pasadena Humane Society had stored food, water, tents, medication and blankets to meet the animal’s basic needs. A 35-foot mobile home was also available to house and

For More Photos, Updates & Online Exclusives, visit: www.elvaq.com and our magazine: www.gccinsider.com

transport animals.

SPCA LA (Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Los Angeles), the Irvine Animal Shelter, Petco and Petsmart contributed to assure the animal´s safety by providing additional

space for the animals in adoption, volunteers and donations.

Whitman said, “We couldn’t have done it without their work and support …Animal lovers come together at times like this.”

The Pasadena Humane Society

is a private non-profit organization and is open for any type of donations. For more information visit www.pasadenahumane.org or call (626) 792-7151.

Cindy Garcia can be reached at Cindy_Garcia@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

9

OPINION

High Book Prices Drive Student Elsewhere

By Angelica Fraire

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

ant to save money on books, but don’t know how? Students are buying them through the Internet, from friends and through the GCC bookstore, but another alternative may be right across the street from campus.

The Bookmart and Copy Center, nicknamed “The Underground Bookstore,” offers students lower prices on textbooks and supplies, a welcome relief in these economic times.

The Bookmart and Copy Center is a small bookstore that sells the same books that GCC students need for their classes, but that is not all. The bookstore also has scantrons, calculators and a copy machine students can use for a fee.

When asked what he thought about GCC’s bookstore prices, Mario Montes, 18, criminal justice major, said, “I don’t like the prices; they are too much.”

Both Montes and his friend Luis G. Meza, 17, administration of justice major, were surprised to discover that Bookmart has different prices compared to EBay and the GCC bookstore.

Meza said, “GCC is a rich school for rich people, and here [Bookmart and Copy Center] is for everyone else.” He continued to say, “There is a difference...

I’ll rather go here [Bookmart and Copy Center].”

Montes agreed. “You see the difference. You buy a book at GCC for $75, and here for $35,” he said, comparing GCC’s price to Bookmart’s price on an English book he needed.

A used Math 138 textbook at the GCC Bookstore is $105.60 according the bookstore Web site.

The same used book cost, $95 at Booksmart, $78.02 at Barnes and Nobles, and Half.com sells it for $72.95 according to the Web site’s best price.

When Alex Martinez, a worker for Booksmart, was asked about the bookstore’s prices, she stated, “I do not know they are better, I do know [students] save more money here.”

Martinez was surprised to know that the bookstore is nicknamed “The Underground Bookstore.”

“I was surprised because I know that the bookstore is hard to find and students get

Photo by Allan Beglarian

Photo by Angelica Fraire

SAME BOOK BUT DIFFERENT PRICE: Steven Aviles, left photo, second from right, 18, a journalism major and a student worker at the Glendale College Book Store, mans one of the registers during the first week of fall semester while Mary Mitchler, right, buyer and 13-year-veteran, helps to expedite the line of students waiting to purchase books and supplies. At the Bookmart and Copy Center, photo right, Yusepe Garcia, left, and Enrique Carranza, right, both 19, find the prices to be significantly less expensive and wonder why books cost so much more on campus.

lost trying to find this place,” she said.

When asked if the bookstore carries all the books that GCC students need, Martinez said, “I try to carry 85 percent of the books.” She admitted that the only way for the bookstore to do better is for the economy to improve. Promoting the store has been hard, she said.

When Martinez was asked what the percentage is when it comes to buy-backs, she stated, “During finals week, the bookstore gives

50-55 percent of buy-backs to students. And throughout the year it is a 25-35 percentage.”

Compared to GCC’s bookstore, GCC bookstore Director Anjali Stanislaus stated that, “There has been a five percent increase in book prices.” And as the publishers increase their prices, students will continue to see prices for books increase.

“There has been a 35 percent increase of students buying less,” Stanislaus said when asked how much students are buying.

Stanislaus has seen a difference in buy-backs the past three to four years, but she said she has “seen a decrease in buy-backs in the last three [years].” She also said that more and more students “are buying among themselves.”

Stanislaus does not guarantee that the bookstore will give students 50 percent off when it comes to buy-backs, because there are different factors that come into play. For example, the book might go into a new edition.

Whether students buy from the GCC bookstore, the Internet, from Bookmart and Copy Center, Barnes & Nobles, copying the required pages from the GCC Library or from another student on campus, all students want to do is save money the best way they can.

The Bookmart and Copy Center is located on 1528 Canada Blvd.

Angelica Fraire can be reached at Angelica_Fraire@elvaq.com

Lose 60 Pounds in 16 Weeks: The (Lack of) Financial Aid Diet

By Ashley Chang

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

G

ov. Arnold Schwarzenegger may eliminate 77,000 new college grants for students in financial need due to California’s budget crisis, said the Los Angeles Times in May 2009.

In response to the decrease in financial aid, a diet plan has been proposed: Lose 60 Pounds in 16 Weeks: The (Lack of) Financial Aid Diet Plan.

Can’t afford a parking pass?

No problem. It’s all part of The (Lack of) Financial Aid Diet Plan. Park your sedans, vans, and trucks one mile above the campus on Mountain Street in

the residential areas. But you better hurry back. The parking enforcement is sure to grant a ticket for that.

You’re sure to drop pounds instantly walking up and down those hills daily. Though the hills may be intimidating, don’t despair. It’s the scenic route.

You’ll also need a part-time job, maybe two. “California [may be] the first state in the recessionbattered nation to eliminate student financial aid while raising college tuition,” reported the Los Angeles Times.

Try and turn that frown upside down. No one said this would be easy. Going from work to school, school to work, you’re sure to

miss a few meals here and there.

This way, you’re guaranteed to see those inches disappear from your muffin-top abs, tree-trunk thighs, and bulging arms.

You can’t stop there. The “fast-lane” lifestyle requires fuel and a lot of it. Say hello to your new best friend, caffeine. Missed meals along with high intakes of caffeine will certainly give you the occasional jitters, but don’t worry, the jitters mean it’s working.

We all know the stress and anxiety of spending hundreds of dollars on textbooks each semester. The average college student will spend almost $700 this year on textbooks alone,

said the Student Monitor, an independent research firm. The (Lack of) Financial Aid Diet plan has eliminated that stress for you. We won’t give you the money to purchase any. See, it’s easy as pie!

You’ll be forced to use the textbooks on reserve at the GCC Library. Remember, there’s only one textbook available per class for students, so don’t walk, run! We’re all in the same rat-race.

All diet plans reach the inevitable “plateau effect.”

With The (Lack of) Financial Aid Diet plan, you need not [See Financial Aid, page 12]

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

www.elvaq.com

NEWS

Foothill Communities Under Fire Photo by Cindy Garcia Photo by Jane Pojawa Photo by David Mayerhofer

Photo by Cindy Garcia

Photo courtesy of Ken Gray

THE STATION FIRE: • Has burned more than 160,557 acres.

• Is only 91 percent contained after three weeks.

• Was caused by arson.

• Killed two firefighters.

• Is the largest fire in the history of Los Angeles County.

• Started four miles from campus.

Photo by Jane Pojawa

Photo by Aris Allahverdian

Photo by Alvaro Morales

Legend: Completed Line Uncontrolled Fire Edge Photo by Jane Pojawa

STATION FIRE: Sam Burgess, shelter manager for the Red Cross, photos clockwise from lower left, explains to a concerned resident that volunteers are unable to take donations at the evacuation center and that all contributions should be sent to the local Red Cross headquarters. In all, approximately 4,000 people were evacuated and 12,000 homes were threatened by the Station Fire. Smoke billows from the Angeles National Forest as vehicles approach Montrose from Verdugo Boulevard. In La Crescenta, the fire destroyed the hillside down to the houses on La Crescenta Avenue and Briggs Avenue. A theater arts instructor Ken Gray’s home in Big Tujunga Canyon, his car burned inside his garage. The Forest Service estimated that 132 vehicles were destroyed and 14 were damaged by the flames.

On campus air quality fluctuated between “extremely unhealthy” to “moderate” according to the Air Quality Management District [AQMD]. The AQMD has several continuous particulate monitoring stations, including one in La Canada. On Sept. 3, equipment totalling 11 air tankers, 12 helitankers, seven helicopters, 433 fire engines and 60 bulldozers were used to combat the blaze. The Pasadena chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals evacuated more than 350 pets at the La Canada evacuation center. In La Canada and elsewhere, residents expressed appreciation for the firefighters. In all, 76 residences were destroyed and 13 damaged, and at least nine people were

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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FEATURES

Student Government Power Academy Offers Training Sponsors Barbecue

By Amy Hirsch

EL VAQUERO CAMPUS EVENTS EDITOR

T

he afternoon was festive on Sept. 10 at the Associated Students welcome back barbecue.

With a few hundred students in attendance, the event, held in Plaza Vaquero, featured various food, music, and game activities to welcome students to the beginning of a new year.

The Associated Students is the student government organization at GCC, composed of 21 elected leaders. Meetings are held weekly to coordinate programs and activities and determine expenditures.

“The whole purpose of the event is to invite people back, [and for] those who are new, to get used to the campus and make sure that they know they are welcomed here and [for] those who are coming back for their second year or third year…. We are here for them and want to open up a new year as best we can,” said Jessica Gabrielian, ASGCC Senator of Finance.

The event opened to the sounds of a duet by Byron and Clare Delto, faculty members in the department of music. They sang an array of songs.

There were a variety of booths at the event. There was a booth of bread donated by the La Brea Bakery. Included were ciabatta,

raisin and French breads provided for the attendees. One of the highlights were the free hot dogs with a variety of condiments.

In addition, there was a coffee truck from Francisco’s Specialty Gourmet Coffee giving out free coffee.

Different foods and drinks were sold throughout the day. For those with a sweet tooth, there was a pink cotton candy machine.

Another booth was selling snow cones, which was a perfect way to cool down in the September heat.

There was a booth selling shirts ($10), lanyards ($5), and bracelets ($3), proceeds from which went to the speech and debate team. Also at the event were students passing out informational handouts about the calendar of events for the new school year.

Thoughts on the barbecue were favorable. “It’s cool. It’s to promote ASGCC,” said Natalia Restrepo, a current student at GCC. Later in the day, students, along with faculty from the speech and debate team, formed a band to promote their activities and began singing ‘50s and ‘60s songs. Michael Miller sang “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band,” by the Beatles. He also sang “Dock of the Bay,“ by Otis Redding. The band performed “One Fine Day” by the Chiffons, “Stand By Me,” by Ben E King, “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee

Opinion: Financial Aid [Financial Aid, from page 9]

worry about such setbacks.

Midterms are right around the corner! You’ll be walking, running, and rolling down that mile on Mountain Street more frequently than ever. Bye-bye, plateau effect!

As your 16 weeks come to an end and your body is still holding onto those last, pesky pounds, do not give up. The stress and anxiety from finals weeks will surely shed them right off.

The Lose 60 Pounds in 16 Weeks: The (Lack of) Financial Aid Diet Plan is sure to sell

out and lose all funds quickly, so hurry while supplies last.

“Community colleges [could] see $6 billion in cuts, likely dropping the amount schools would get for each student by about $1,000 annually,” if Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal is passed, said the San Francisco Chronicle.

Now, who said getting an education was easy?

Ashley Chang can be reached at Ashley_Chang@elvaq.com

Lewis and “Jailhouse Rock,” by Elvis Presley.

Students played games such as tug of war against some of the faculty. Those who won received a thermos mug as a prize. In addition, there was an egg toss game. Lilia Avagyan, Trustee and President of ASGCC said, “We want to make sure that there is an interaction between students, staff, administrators, and faculty…this is the first time that faculty, students, and staff can be together.”

The plan for the welcome back event developed when Dr. Dawn Lindsay, Superintendent and interim President of GCC, proposed the idea of a social gathering to Avagyan.

The funding for the event was provided by the Student Services fee, part of which goes to ASGCC. Those in attendance appeared to have had an enjoyable time as they considered the many activiesss activities available.

Amy Hirsch can be reached at amy_hirsch@elvaq.com

Geared to Jobs

By Amy Hirsch

EL VAQUERO CAMPUS EVENTS EDITOR

A

new program at Glendale Community College called the Verdugo Power Academy (Industrial Technology 155) is set to begin Sept. 21.

The academy, in collaboration with the city of Glendale Department of Water and Power (GWP), is a career-training program leading to jobs in the electric power industry.

Due to a local shortage of utility workers, the main goal of the program is to fill job gaps and help generate an interest in careers in the utility industry.

“Generally it’s getting harder and harder to attract good, qualified, educated workers into various technical and trades positions within the utility,” said Glenn Steiger, General Manager of GWP. The program is the result of GWP, Verdugo Workforce Investment Board, and Glendale

College joining forces to help address this problem.

According to the Power Academy Web site, “The Verdugo Workforce Investment Board is comprised of business, industry and community leaders that develop workforce policies and oversee government funding for training and employment activities in the Glendale, Burbank and La Canada Flintridge area.”

The mission of the program is to increase awareness of jobs in the utility field and to provide classroom and practical instruction in the skills needed.

The course will be 17 units, held five days a week, eight hours a day, over a 16-week period. It will cover a range of topics in the electric power field, including safety principles, electrical line mechanics, transformers and meters. Students will learn how to climb power poles, maintain and build overhead [See Power Academy, page 13]

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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Big Boys Get Big Toys in ‘Gamer’ Movie

By AnnaLinda Andersson EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“G

amer” is a modern gladiator story with a hero who refuses to die while at the same time his purpose is to entertain the masses.

Unfortunately, the age old story becomes forgotten in the mess of overwhelming action scenes, too many sound effects and MTVstyled editing that ultimately brings the movie down.

The writing/directing team behind the film is Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (“Crank,” 2006 and 2009), who are famous for their action-packed and fast-paced films. However, in “Gamer” it seems as if they had a strong ground to make a good film but instead they got lost in their virtual world and forgot about the interesting message in the movie: how much will humans be consumed by technology in the future?

The movie takes place in the near future where humans can control what other humans do or say through a mind-controlling multiplayer online game. The billionaire Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”) has created the

popular game “Slayers,” a game where inmates on death row risk their lives participating in a reallife “Counter Strike” game.

All the inmates have a computer chip inserted in their brains and are controlled by a player from the outside. If the players on the outside, who have coughed up a lot of money to be a part of the game, manage to keep their reallife soldiers alive for 30 games, they will achieve worldwide superstar status and their player inside the virtual battle field will be released from prison and win complete freedom.

The protagonist, Kable, played

by Gerard Butler (“300,” 2007) is controlled by the spoiled teenager Simon. Team Kable/Simon only have four more games to win before they become the first team to win all games necessary.

However, the last games will unravel secrets and surprises from all directions possible and the film will take an unexpected turn.

Kable, a man convicted for murder, is not only fighting to survive, but also to rescue his wife and daughter on the outside before Castle “pays them a visit” as promised.

Butler feels very believable in

the role but at the same time a bit to monotone in his facial expression and quickly falls in to the endless category of “I got this role because I have muscles” action actors.

The entire movie is displayed to the audience in dark grey-green colors except when the focus is on Castle’s first popular game “Society.”

“Society” is a place where people can control and live out their fantasies or horrors through other people, including Kable’s wife, played by Amber GAMER: Video game violence meets reality TV in new acttion movie.

Valletta (“Hitch,” 2005).

The “Society” scenes are too a psychotic genius. Maybe it is brutal and really beautiful. It is cliché with its 90s rave feeling of because he has had a lot of practice just not enough to make up for all S&M styled leather, colorful wigs while playing a psychopath in the the bad things about the film. and chunky platform boots.

TV series “Dexter.”

If familiar with games similar The acting is effective overall, Although the version with to the ones in the movie such as with the exception being Kyra online games is new to the screen, “Counter Strike” and/or “The Sedgewick, (“The Closer” ) who the idea has been used before. Sims,” the movie might be worth plays a famous TV-personality Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” (2000) watching. If not, then no. (a role that would not have been or last year’s “Death Race” “Gamer” gets 2 out of 5 stars. missed if taken out of the movie). anyone?

Michael C. Hall, almost saves The graphics in “Gamer” the movie from complete disaster are great. The war zone and the AnnaLinda Andersson can be reached at with a very good interpretation of fighting scenes are powerful, AnnaLinda_Andersson@elvaq.com



New Program

[Power Academy, from page 12] throughout Southern California,” said Steiger. In addition to being lines. Instruction in newer a power academy, the program power saving technologies such will soon expand into a course as smart grids will be included. that teaches the principles of the Once they graduate from the water utility as well. program, students will have the The Power Academy is funded skills necessary to apply for a through a federal stimulus grant position in the utilities work under the American Recovery and force.

Reinvestment Act to the Verdugo Instructional curriculum for Workforce Investment Board. the program will be provided Orientation sessions were held

by GCC, with GWP supplying the end of August at GCC and the facilities, materials, technical Verdugo Job Center, with final and instructional support. One interviews by GWP scheduled at of the instructors will be Randy GCC last week. To qualify, one States, who has been teaching must be a high school graduate, lineman apprentices since the at least 18, and take a Math and early 1960s and was recently English assessment at GCC. inducted into the International According to Scott Rubke, Linemen’s Hall of Fame GCC Technology and Aviation “In the future [the academy] Division Chair, “The purpose will provide a growing pool of of the program is to retrain qualified, enthusiastic workers currently unemployed displaced that we can all utilize to workers and get them back in the eventually populate the utilities workforce as quickly as possible.” both here in Glendale and Rubke said there has been a huge

response so far, with many more applicants than spaces available.

The grant of $274,000 covers a total of three semester sessions with 20 students in each session. All tuition, fees and supplies are funded by the grant. Additional grants are being requested for training programs in smart grids, wind turbines and water management according to Rubke.

Further information about the Verdugo Power Academy may be obtained from Lydia Basmajian, Counselor for Instruction and Workforce Development at lbasmaji@ glendale.edu (818) 240-1000 Ext. 5918; or Scott Rubke, Technology and Aviation Division Chair, at srubke@ glendale.edu, ext. 554 Amy Hirsch can be reached at amy_hirsch@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

www.elvaq.com

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Chevelle’s New CD Is Not ‘Unsafe at Any Speed’

By Anissa Clarke

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

t long last the wait for Chevelle’s new CD release, “Sci-Fi Crimes” is finally over.

Chevelle’s last released album was 2007’s “Vena Sera,” making it two long years Chevelle fans had to endure before they could hear pumping rock melodies played by the trio that hails from Chicago.

The 11 tracks on the album include catchy drop-tune rock songs like “Jars,” “Mexican Sun,” and “New Momentum.” Other songs like “This Circus,” and “Letter From a Thief” lighten up the feel with softer rhythms but still keep Chevelle’s traditional poppy hard-core sound.

True Chevelle fans won’t be disappointed when they hear songs like “Shameful Metaphors” and “Fell Into Your Shoes” because they still possess

the same punchy hook that jumps in your face when you’re least expecting it, which can be found on previous albums.

The perfectly single banging bass drum in the verses of “Sleep Apnea” add to the intensity of the song and picks up in the chorus with a steady pattern of snare up-beats and double pedal. This leads you to focus on the heavy guitar and warm tone vocals.

The album really leaves a mark on its eighth track, “Roswell’s Spell,” which catches the listener off guard, bouncing around from heavy verses to soft stroked guitar riffs and breathy vocals in the pre-chorus. “Roswell’s Spell” may surprise you by its out-ofChevelle-norm interchanges, but band’s familiar majestic feel returns in the chorus.

The song “This Circus” may not mention any clowns or trained animals, but does show some resemblance to “Roswell’s Spell”

with the smoothly choppy rhythm interchanges. The basic drum pattern is quite different from the other songs on the album, which are full of an excessive use of cymbals and double pedal, but follows the guitar progressions fittingly.

The second track, “Mexican Sun,” is pure Chevelle and brings up the excitement level of the album, the fast- paced movement, rich guitar and bass lines settle in the ears that can only be escaped by constant head bobbing.

Whether one is a first-time listener or a lifelong fan of Chevelle, “Sci-Fi Crimes” is an album loaded with musical splendor that any music lover can enjoy..

4 stars out of 5.

 Anissa Clarke can be reached at Anissa_Clarke@elvaq.com

SCI-FI CRIMES: Chevelle’s new CD delivers enjoyable tunes.

Music Fans Are Checking in with Saint Motel

By Ashley Chang

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

luminum foil, dim lights, and a projector displaying clips of astronauts, apes, and neon lights were all too fitting to set the ambience for the SciFi theme at Club Spaceland on Sept. 7.

Crowds of hipster lads dressed in flannel with untamed hair and retro-chic gals dressed to impress, packed the modest Silver Lake club and made their way toward the stage, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer in hand.

The stage was decorated with two fake potted trees and a deer’s head, and the projector behind the stage showed live shots of the patient audience, heightening the anticipation.

Just then, four young men decorated with aluminum foil shirts, hats, and arm bands strolled onto the stage, finally face-to-face with their cheering fans. A young man, accompanied with a huge smiling grin, jumped up onto the stage, microphone in hand and announced, “Introducing… Saint Motel!”

All in their mid-20s and Los

Angeles locals, A/J Jackson (vocals and guitar), Aaron Sharp (lead guitar), Greg Erwin (drums), and Dak Jones (bass) wasted no time kicking off their debut EP release party for “ForPlay.”

They jammed out new tracks, such as, “Butch” and “Dear Dictator,” and performed with such energy that surely awoke those who were there all night.

Though the stage was small, Saint Motel had no problem maneuvering around, covering every inch given to them, whether it was through jumping or rolling around. Stage presence was nowhere near lacking during their Labor Day show.

It’s no wonder these young musicians know a thing or two about visual stimulation.

Jackson, Sharp, Erwin, and Jones met as film students at Chapman University in Orange County, only to drop out and pursue their other passion: music.

“We all knew that if we could choose to do anything in our short lives, that it would be to play music. They didn’t seem conflicting, music and film, both just creative outlets with endless possibilities.”

In no way did Saint Motel leave their love for film behind, for their music videos play a pivotal role in the band, turning them into short movies, full of thrillers, romance, and drama.

When asked if they would rather take home a Grammy or an Oscar, Jackson replied “Grammy and Oscar. At the same time.

Statue mènage a trois.”

Saint Motel’s sound is as eclectic as their talent and personalities. They describe their music as “a pretty ocean of music that will thrill and delight you before slowly dragging you out to your untimely death by its vicious undercurrents.”

A fan, Stephen Kim, 27, described Saint Motel’s sound as a mixture of The Strokes and Orange County’s Cold War Kids.

It takes more than influences of The Strokes and Cold War Kids to compile Saint Motel’s heavy drums, stellar guitars, and sharp vocals. Sprinkle in Franz Ferdinand, kick in a little of The Killers, and shower in some of The Libertines, and the formula really gets going.

Saint Motel, full of color, energy, and flavor was a fan

check online for updates and photos: www.elvaq.com

favorite that Monday night as they continued to rip through “ForPlay,” performing “To My Enemies” and “Do Everything Now.” Those who were unable to

“check in with Saint Motel” will be given another opportunity every Monday night in September, free of charge, at Club Spaceland.

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Ashley Chang can be reached at Ashley_Chang@elvaq.com

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©2009 Charter Communications. Offer good through 9/30/09. *Save $35/mo or more off of standard rates, if services are ordered separately, when you subscribe to Charter Digital Cable and High-Speed Internet. Offer valid to new residential customers only. To be considered a new customer, customer must not have subscribed to applicable services within the previous 30 days and have no outstanding obligation to Charter.

Customers must subscribe to and maintain all services for the promotional period to receive promotional price. Standard rates apply after promotional period ends. Installation and equipment charges may apply. Taxes, fees and surcharges are extra. Programming line-up may vary.

Charter reserves the right to determine the level of service to which this offer applies. ^Top-rated cable channels based on Nielsen Report 3/09. †Fastest/most reliable speeds compared to AT&T, Qwest and Verizon Internet offerings in Charter markets. comScore Throughput Report Q4-08.

Internet speeds may vary. ††Three times faster than 1.5Mbps DSL. Charter does not guarantee data will be secure. Standard rates apply for Wireless Home Networking. Trademarks belong to their respective owners. Valid service address required. Credit approval, prepayment or major credit card may be required. All services provided are subject to the subscriber agreement which is subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Other restrictions may apply. Call for full details.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

15

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Kathy Griffin’s Autobiography Is ‘Official’

By Jesse Gutierrez

EL VAQUERO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

M

ove over Maya Angelou, Kathy Griffin is bringing the D-List to the literary world, with her first tell-all autobiography “Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin.”

While Griffin is mostly known for being a comedian, and may not be the first person anyone would think would write a book, she brings her very unique and sometimes inappropriate comedic style into the 328 pages.

As the book begins Griffin starts off with a very interesting question: “Have you ever looked at the online photos of Britney’s peesh ?” Not the best line to start a book with.

While the lead-in to the chapter may be strange, it’s all about Griffin starting off her career as a comic at a young age when she would go to her neighbors house and dish about her family’s private lives in exchange for Milano cookies.

Griffin does not just talk about herself though. She also introduces you to her dysfunctional Irish Catholic family, her mother Maggie, her father John and her older siblings Kenny, Gary, Joyce and John.

She says that her family life was dysfunctional, but it’s not later until you find out how dysfunctional. Later, after she made her showbiz debut in a commercial for the White Sox, she decided that to make it as an actress she was going to need to move to L.A. after she graduated from high school.

While moving to L.A. to become an actress should be a happy thing, it turned out at least in the beginning to be a nightmare for Griffin and her family. The family had been out of touch with her oldest brother Kenny since he had also moved to L.A. to become an actor.

As Griffin spent more time with her brother, she began to realize he had a lot of problems, including drugs and alcohol, and had also been caught physically abusing girlfriends. The worst part of all was he was a pedophile.

Griffin even accounts for a time when he crawled into her bed and made an advance on her.

Eventually, Kenny died of a drug overdose.

In the next three chapters Griffin talks about her early life as an entertainer in L.A. She started off in the underground improv comedy group known as The Groundlings, which

also included stars such as Lisa Kudrow (“Friends”) and Cassandra Peterson (“Elvira: Mistress of The Dark”).

While she was in the Groundlings, Griffin also attended the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Her career is not the only thing Griffin discusses in these chapters. She also talks about her very interesting relationships, including a fling with actor Jack Black, about whom she said, “Yes I [slept with] Jack Black.”

While Griffin’s relationships and early career in improv make a hilarious story, the real story in the book begins with Griffin’s first role in the television sitcom “Suddenly Susan,” which also starred Brooke Shields.

Griffin recalls her time on the show as a great experience, until the end of the show’s run when one of the cast members and one of Griffin’s closest friends, David Strickland, hung himself in a Las Vegas motel in 1999.

After her run on “Suddenly Susan,” Griffin decided to reinvent herself by getting plastic

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

n the last week of August, the College Plaza right across the street from GCC added a new Korean restaurant where hungry students can satisfy their hunger: The Flame Broiler.

Across from Quiznos sits the healthy and appetizing choice, The Flame Broiler, vibrant with “Now Open” banners.

As one walks in, the bright green-colored walls and flat screen TV greet one’s eyes, while the rich smell of beef vegetables and chicken bowls consume the senses.

To the left of the entrance, the eatery has a self-service counter filled with six choices of soda pop, straws, chop sticks, napkins and a “magic sauce” (which happens to taste a lot like soy sauce) in a large pump bottle.

Eight tables for two are spread throughout the

I

autobiography.

cofounder Steve Wozniak. The way that this chapter is arranged is very different from the others.

Instead of being something she had written about, Griffin Just put together a series of e-mails they were sending back and forth until the time that the relationship broke off.

In the final chapter of the book “How Paris Hilton Changed My Life,” Griffin writes, “Not many people know this but Paris Hilton is a genius… Ok that was fun to write. Really, she’s an idiot.” So in true form she ends the book just as she started it, with her very unmistakable brand of comedy.

With a unique writing style, great comedic timing, and a story that could be made into a dramatic motion picture, “Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According To Kathy Griffin” will become an instant sensation and is worthy to be in any book club ( yes, Kathy, even Oprah’s).

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.



Jesse Gutierrez can be reached at jesse_gutierrez@elvaq.com

The Flame Broiler Café Opens in College Plaza

By Anissa Clarke

IT’S “OFFICIAL”: Comedian Kathy Griffin’s has just released a tell-all

surgery in order to try to help her get more work. But it had the opposite result. After a nose job and a botched liposuction, which almost cost Griffin her life, she still was not getting the offers.

Griffin then decided to try stand-up comedy after two successful HBO specials and a successful run at a Hollywood comedy club got Griffin picked up by the Bravo network, and her reality show “My life on the D List” began.

At this point in the book Griffin also writes about her marriage to her now ex-husband, actor Matt Moline, who she says she later found out had stolen more than over $72,000 from an account.

Also by the time of her divorce Griffin had won two Emmy awards for the reality show, but at the same time she lost her father John Patrick Griffin, which she admits were the hardest pages of the book to write because she did not want to relive the pain.

Griffin really did save the two best topics for last. In the last chapters she talks about her relationship with billionaire Apple

restaurant, perfect for a student on the go, or a couple wanting a quick bite to eat.

The menu consists of six bowls and five plates of one’s choice with either white or brown rice, beef, chicken or vegetables at pocket change prices ranging from $5.35 to $6.99.

That’ll give one a plastic black bowl of tender chicken or beef and steamed vegetables on top of sticky rice. There are even mini bowls for a smaller price if one wants a flavorful snack on a full stomach and empty wallet.

The young staff dressed in black aprons and visors are pleased to help customers with their order. Whether it’s their excitement with a new job, or trying to impress their boss, the service is excellent.

As advertised on its Web site, the Flame Broiler is known for being a healthy alternative to other restaurants: The Flame Broiler menu has bowls for as low as 530 calories, zero trans-

fat, and plates for 730 calories and zero trans-fat.

Even though the hearty meals may lack in calories, The Flame Broiler certainly doesn’t lack in flavor. The mixture of seasonings and spices ignite a mouth-watering sensation that will have customers coming back for a second time and most likely a third.

The amount of time it takes to get your food may take longer than a fast-food restaurant, but when the tasty seasoned beef, the juicy vegetables and the steamed rice flavor hits those taste buds, the wait will have been well worth it.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

[See photo Online at www.elvaq.com] Anissa Clarke can be reached at Anissa_Clarke@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

www.elvaq.com

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT / SPORTS

Theater Department Holds Auditions

By Laura Ortega

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Glendale Community College theater arts department held auditions Sept. 2 and 3 for two upcoming productions in the auditorium, Christopher Durang’s “Durang Menagerie” and Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

“Durang Menagerie” will be directed by Larry Biederman, who also directed “All My Sons” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” will be directed by Janette Farr who also directed “Boy Gets Girl.”

There were many hopeful Stellas and Stanleys in the auditorium hall. For Savana Aghamal, 23, a theater major who auditioned for Stella in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” this was her first audition at GCC. She said, “The first time I got on top of the stage my heart was pounding so hard, I thought it was going to come out.”

One of the hopeful actors was Joyleen Spinner, child development major, who explained that Blanche would be a dream role. Spinner, a former CSUN theater major said, “ I’m

going into it to do a good job and meet new people.”

This was a first time audition for Ryan Rogers,17, a freshman, who also auditioned for “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Rogers said, “Bigger parts are fun and a smaller part is fun too. Smaller roles I get to focus and define the character more.”

A week after the audition process, the directors have made their selections for the casts in the plays. The cast for “A Streetcar Named Desire,” starting with the lead role of Blanche, will be played by Libby Letlow who has been Lady Macbeth in “Macbeth” and Queen Elizabeth in Richard III. The part of Stanley will be played by DJ Kemp, who last was in “Boy Gets Girl” as Mercer. And the part of Stella will be played

by Mary Claire Garcia.

In “Durang Menagerie,” there is a double casting of characters for most actors in the four acts. In Act 1, Mrs. Sorken, who introduces the play, will be played by Amy Ackerman. In Act 2, Lawrence will be played by Aren Soulahian and Amanda will be played by Amy Ackerman. Act 3 is a parody of “A Street Car Named Desire” called “Desire, Desire, Desire,” and Amanda

Photo by Shaun Kelly

THE PLAY’S THE THING: Hopeful thesbians line up to read for Christopher Durang’s “Durang Menagerie” and Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Sheehan will play Blanche. In Act 4, Stephen Davalos will be played by George Spelvin and Ryan Rogers who had been in four years of high school theater, will play Henry Irving.

There are still more roles for “Durang Menagerie” that will be cast during the week of Sep.14.

The leading roles have been cast, but unfortunately a leading actor was not available for a reaction.

Staff stage manager, Dina Dominguez, explained that the

stage set is still in a concept stage.

Dominguez said, “ For both plays there have been preliminary stages as to what the actual plays are going to look like. There have been a couple of ideas.”

The stage set for “A Streetcar Named Desire” is said to be a house building during the 1940s in New Orleans. It is a story about Blanche, a young woman who leaves her plantation and arrives in an urban New Orleans looking for her sister and

a new beginning.

Dominguez said, “ For both plays there have been preliminary stages as to what the actual plays are going to look like. There have been a couple of ideas.”

“Durang Menagerie” will run Oct. 8 through 18 and “A Streetcar Named Desire” will run November 5 through 15 on the main stage.

Laura Ortega can be reached at Laura_Ortega@elvaq.com

Lady Vaqueros Lose to Wolverines in Preseason

By Aris Allahverdian EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Lady Vaqueros soccer team lost to San Bernardino Valley College 3-1 Friday afternoon at Sartoris Field. The match was a preseason game between the two teams in preparation for Glendale’s conference opener.

The Lady Vaqueros prepared all week for the Lady Wolverines, who were the 2008 Foothill Conference champions.

“We set up the game on Wednesday, Thursday to play this way, to get out of the game 1-0 our way or 1-1, 2-2”. Coach Jorge Mena said.

The Lady Vaqs had a tough time handling San Bernardino’s intense offense. The Wolverines have beaten PCC 10-0,and El Camino 8-1 this year already.

“We’re really playing a great powerhouse right here, it’s a great team. I knew what I was getting

into,” said Coach Mena.

The Lady Wolverines displayed their strong ability by dominating the first half with repetitive waves of attacks. Lady Vaquero’s goalie, Justina Pereida, managed to save a number of shot attempts from the former conference champs, but was caught off guard with the games’ first goal, a chip shot over Pereida delivered by Wolverines forward Sarahi Bransford in the 35th minute.

The Lady Vaqs opened the second half strong, stretching SBVC players across the field and earning a couple of clear shot attempts and free kicks. The Lady Vaqs tied the game with a remarkable deep free kick scored

by Natalie Diaz in the 41st minute.

“Natalie, that’s her strength.

We’ve been having a lot of shots from some set plays and that’s one of our strengths,” said Mena.

“It’s expected. We got at least five or six girls that can take shots

from different angles. Great goal for her.”

Both teams played extremely aggressively forcing multiple high kicks, leaping headers and collisions, but injuries were something the Lady Vaqs had to avoid. “They have more depth than we do, this is our third preseason game, this is their sixth. We open up conference in four weeks. “I don’t want to pick up any injuries, so I need to play very smart,” Mena replied regarding the rough play.

SBVCs’ Patricia Aguilar was penalized with the game’s only yellow card drawn for an illegal slide tackle from behind in the 25th minute of the second half.

Assertively maneuvering the ball to penetrate the Vaqs’ defense, the Lady Wolverines managed to get by GCC’s sturdy defense and find the back of the net for two more goals in less than five minutes.

The Lady Wolverine’s second goal came in the 14th minute with a soft second tap-in for the goal.

Moments later, a third successful strike by forward Lizeth Diaz sealed the game.

Both shots opened up due to the high defensive pressure set from the Lady Vaqs. “We had it, but they’re a great team… this shows that we also have potential.

We’re going to be a good and competitive team,” said Mena.

Concluding the game, Mena acknowledged the teams’ strong defense and also was happy with

the level of intensity the Lady Vaqs brought. “We got a lot out of this game, trust me. Confidence wise, they believe in themselves.

We needed to work as a unit and they did that today. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

Sometimes you play well and you still lose the game.”

The Lady Vaqueros preseason record is 0-1-2. Their next game is Friday at East Los Angeles College.

Aris Allahverdian can be reached at Aris_Allahverdian@elvaq.com

ASGCC Positions Available

T

he Associated Students of Glendale Community College (ASGCC) student government has two committee vacancies to fill this semester.

The positions are for Representative of Finance and Repre-

sentative of Campus Activities.

To qualify you must be enrolled in at least nine units and have a 2.0 GPA. For more information call Tzoler Oukayan (818) 2401000, ext. 3033

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

17

SPORTS

Soccer Team Faces a Challenging Season

By Brandon Hensley

EL VAQUERO EDITOR IN CHIEF

G

lendale’s loss to San Bernardino Valley last Friday was only the third preseason game for the team, compared to the Lady Wolverines’ sixth game, so it didn’t come as a surprise that the Lady Vaqs showed some rust. It also didn’t help that San Bernardino is a team fresh off a banner year, winning the 2008 Foothill Conference championship.

“They’re a great team this year,” said Coach Jorge Mena.

But Glendale plays in the Western State Conference, so Mena’s team won’t have to worry about San Bernardino once conference play begins.

To help matters, making the playoffs won’t be all about wins and losses. Simply scheduling tougher opponents gives teams

a boost in their power ratings, which contribute to their place in the standings (think RPI in college basketball). Glendale will get a point for playing San Bernardino, and would have received more if they had tied or won the game.

“You can go to the playoffs with 10 wins, and someone else [could not go] with 14 wins,” said Mena.

To win in the conference, the Lady Vaqs will have to beat out the usual suspects in Santa Monica, Pierce, and Bakersfield.

Mena said teams like Pierce are always near the top because schools like Cal State Northridge become “overloaded” with talent and send those players to valley schools for a year, while teams like Glendale, Pasadena and College of the Canyons all try to recruit talent in the same area.

[See Soccer, page 18]

Photo by Richard Kontas

BEND IT LIKE DIAZ: Vaquero midfielder Natalie Diaz takes a shot on the run during Glendale’s 3-1 loss against San Bernardino Valley College.

Thank you for sending us your best and your brightest.

BSM Graduates, April 2009:

First Row: Dr. John Mooney (faculty), Dorice Cooper, Lupe Hernandez, Marisa Fujimoto, Cynthia Ayala, Lynie Ueda, Nyah Asanok, Beatriz Rivera, Agatha Pierre, Dr. Ron Ford (faculty); Second Row: Brandon Coen, Elvira Bannon, Latania Wood, Viviana Arellano, Edwin Polanco, Ralph Klink, Elizabeth Dyer, Karla Gorgij; Third Row: Arturo Cabral, Phillip Cutler, Darryl Harvey, Tyrone D. Stallings, Jasmine Rodriguez, Hugo Ayala; Fourth Row: Cary Heaton, Andrew Stajduhar, Robert Bishop, Scott Dunkle

Our Thanks Go Out to the Transfer Center Counselors at the Following Community Colleges: Coastline Community College College of the Canyons Cypress College El Camino College Fullerton Community College Glendale Community College

Irvine Valley College Los Angeles Valley College Moorpark College Orange Coast College Pasadena City College Pierce College

Riverside Community College Saddleback College Santa Barbara City College Santa Monica College West Los Angeles College

Pepperdine’s Bachelor of Science in Management Earn your Bachelor of Science in Management from Pepperdine’s Graziadio School, and our real-world curriculum, distinguished faculty and small interactive classroom settings will inspire you with knowledge and skills that you can start applying from day one. And only Pepperdine offers the option of completing both your bachelor’s and MBA in as little as three years.

Visit bschool.pepperdine.edu to learn more about Pepperdine’s Bachelor’s Completion Program.

PREPARED BY KAISER MARKETING

18

Wednesday, September 16, 2008

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SPORTS

Vaqs Defeat East L.A. Huskies 33-28

By Chloe Vignolles-Jeong EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

little too close for comfort would be the best way to describe Glendale College’s road victory over the East Los Angeles Huskies Saturday night. After an ongoing battle through the very last second of the fourth quarter, the Vaqueros managed to keep the Huskies on a tight leash and come out with a 33-28 win.

The Huskies gave the Vaqueros’ defense a workout, charging down the field on almost every possession they had.

The Vaqueros continued to put numbers up on the scoreboard, but failed to make the most of their extra points. “Maybe we should work on our kicking team.

We work on it in practice, we just made mistakes we shouldn’t make,” said Coach John Rome, whose team is 2-0 in non-league games.

The defense attempted to contain the Huskies’ offense but it had a few breakdowns.

Defensive back Osa Aikhionbare managed to come up with a huge play late in the third quarter. The Huskies were at the Glendale 11-yard-line, when ELAC’s quarterback attempted a pass

for the touchdown. Aikhionbare intercepted the ball and had a three-yard return. “It was just a big play, before that they had made a big play came down the field. I needed to make a big play for my team. [I] read the play, read the quarterback, took the ball away and ‘boom,’ got away with the W, that’s all we needed,” said Aikhionbare.

The Vaquero offense totaled 442 yards, with two rushing and three receiving touchdowns.

Jorge Chaidez led the Vaq’s offense with 28 carries for 190 yards and one touchdown. Willie Youngblood had 12 carries for 65 yards and one touchdown.

Euedell Clayton had four catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns.

Brian Williams had two catches for 40 yards and one touchdown.

“A victory is a victory,” said Rome after the close game. “But we need to get better.”

The Vaqueros hope to extend their winning streak this Saturday at Sartoris Field at 6 p.m. when they play against Riverside City College (1-1).

Chloe Vignolles-Jeong can be reached at Chloe_Jeong@elvaq.com

Mena though, is optimistic about the season. “I think this is probably one of the [best] all around teams I’ve had,” he said. Glendale returns strong midfielders Jazmine Aguirre and Natalie Diaz. Sophomore Elena Torres is listed as a defender, but Mena said she is so versatile, she can play position.

The Lady Vaqs will carry around 18 players, and compared to San Bernardino, which carries 25, they will

ESCAPING A HAIRY SITUATION: Running back Jorge Chaidez, who led the Vaquero rushing attack with 28 carries for 190 yards, charges through the Huskies’ defense once again.

Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores Football:

Sept. 5: defeated West L.A. 51-29 Sept. 12: defeated East L.A. 33-28

Sports: Soccer [Soccer, from page 17]

Photo by Richard Kontas

have to make the most of what they have. Mena said they will rely on their skills, and try to dominate time of possession.

He said they must get better on their free kicks and corner kicks.

Glendale missed the playoffs last season, but despite their lack of numbers, Mena was quick to say, “We’re stronger than last year.”

Their conference schedule begins at Bakersfield Sept 29.

Brandon Hensley can be reached at brandon_hensley @elvaq.com

www.

elvaq.

com

Women’s Soccer:

Sept. 1: lost to L.A. Harbor College 1-0 Sept. 4: tied El Camino College 0-0 Sept. 11: lost to San Bernardino Valley 3-1

Women’s Volleyball:

Sept 9: lost to Orange Coast College 3-

Men’s Soccer:

Sept 1: tied L.A. Harbor College 2-2 Sept 4: defeated El Camino 1-0 Sept. 11: lost to San Bernardino Valley 4-1

Cross Country:

Sept 5: Cal-State Fullerton Invitational: Men finished 7th. Women finished 3rd.

Sept 12: Fresno Invitational: Men finished 2nd. Women finished 2nd.

Upcoming Events Football:

Saturday: vs. Riverside City at GCC 7 p.m.

Sept. 26: at Orange Coast College 6 p.m.

Women’s Soccer:

Friday: vs. El Camino College at GCC 5 p.m.

Sept. 26: vs. Moorpark College at GCC 5 p.m.

Sept. 30: at Citrus College 3 p.m.

Men’s Soccer:

Friday: vs. Chaffey College at GCC 7 p.m.

Tuesday: at Santiago Canyon College 3 p.m.

Sept. 29: at Allan Hancock College 4 p.m.

Cross Country:

Saturday: Cuesta Invitational 12 p.m.

Sept. 25: Golden West Invitational at Huntington Beach 10 a.m.

Women’s Volleyball:

Today: at PCC 5 p.m.

Friday: vs. Rio Hondo at GCC 7 p.m.

Tuesday: vs. Santa Barbara at GCC 6 p.m.

Sept. 25: at Moorpark 6 p.m.

Sept. 29: vs. Ventura College at GCC 7p.m.

For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/athletics/

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

19

Calendar On Campus information Seasonal Flu Shots — Flu shots are available in the Health Center to credit students and college employees while supplies last. Flu shots cost $10 for credit students and $20 for employees. Cash only. For more information, including the Health Center hours, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5909.

Scholarship Application Deadline — The Fall 2009 scholarship deadline is Oct. 16. Applications may be submitted online by going to www.glendale.edu and clicking on scholarships in the “Need Money?” box.

Food For Thought Applications — Applications are available in

the EOPS office and at the Information Desk. Food for Thought is a program to assist students with financial needs. It provides basic food costs for up to two semesters. Students are awarded food vouchers for a local market each month of the fall and spring semesters. The Food for Thought application deadline is Oct. 23.

through the galaxy and introduces stars, constellations, and planets. Friday at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Tickets may be reserved ahead of time. For information, visit www. glendale.edu/planetarium or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5275.

Start Your Own Club — Starting a club is a way to get involved in the college, meet new friends, and gain leadership experience.

For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3303.

workshops

planetarium Evening with the Stars — The Planetarium show takes a tour

“Effective Resumes” — Presented by the Career Center, this workshop focuses on essential resume writing principles, formats and content. Today from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Career Center, second floor of the S Building. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5407.

events

lectures

Club Rush — Clubs will have booths set up with information on how to join. Monday through Sept. 25 in Plaza Vaquero.

Anthropology of “Star Wars” — Professor of Anthropology Daryl Frazetti will discuss the anthropology incorporated into the films on Oct 8. For more information, including time and location, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5286.

Swap Meet — Upper campus parking lot. Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to all. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805

Live Concert — Come and enjoy your lunch while listenting to rapper R-Mean. Sept. 24 from noon to 1 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

“Adventures in Ultraviolet Astronomy with the Galaxy Evolution Explorer” — The speaker for this lecture will be Dr. Don Neill, senior postdoctoral scholar at California Institute of Technology. Tuesday, Sept. 22 from noon to 1 p.m. in SB 243. Admission is free and open to the pubic. For more information call (818-) 2401000 3xt. 5275

theater

housecomedy.com or call (626) 557-1894.

Student Services Fair — Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

Around Town events Glendale Farmers’ Market — 100 block of N. Brand Blvd., between Broadway and Wilson. The Glendale Farmers’ Market features fresh-baked breads, farmfresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, flowers and plants. Some vendors offer organically grown products.

Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, call (818) 548-3155.

Pasadena Greek Fest — Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church, 778 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena. The Pasadena Greek Fest will feature live Greek music, authentic Greek food, folk dance exhibitions, games for kids, and more. Sept. 18 through 20. Festival hours are Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. For more information, visit www.pasadenagreekfest.org or call (626) 449-6943.

L.A. County Fair — Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. The L.A. County Fair features carnival rides, food, games, music, a petting zoo, and fireworks on Fridays and Saturdays. Now through Oct. 28. General admission is $12 on week-

days and $17 on weekends. For more information including fair hours, visit www.lacountyfair. com or call (909) 623-3111.

exhibitions Sculpture Garden — Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach.

This exhibition presents sculptures from the museum’s permanent collection, internationally recognized as the most important collection of contemporary Latin American sculptures in the nation. General admission is $9 and $6 for students and seniors.

For more information, visit www.molaa.org or call (562) 437-1689.

Edith Heath: Tabletop Modernist — Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 E. Union St., Pasadena. This exhibition focuses on the life of Edith Heath and her defining influence on California design through her pottery. Now through Sept. 20. Admission prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.pmcaonline.org or call (626) 568-3665.

Classical Frieze: Eleanor Antin — Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Classical Frieze is a

film and selection of photographs from Eleanor Antin’s recent work recreating the ancient world through the screen of 19th century neo-classical painting.. Now through Oct. 4. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students with valid I.D. Children 17 and under are free. Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.lacma.org or call (323) 857-6000.

Capturing Nature’s Beauty: Three Centuries of French Landscapes — The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. This exhibition features more than 40 drawings that highlight key moments in the French landscape tradition from its emergence in the 1600s to its preeminence in the 1800s. Now through Nov 1. Museum hours vary. Admission is free. Parking is $10.

For more information, visit www. getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300.

Sweets & Treats: Wayne Thiebaud — Norton Simon Museum of Art, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. This exhibition of twodimensional and monochromatic images takes away the formal aspects of painting and lets the viewer focus on the subject matter itself. Now through Nov 2. Admission is $8 and free for students.

For more information, including museum hours, visit www.nortonsimon.org or call (626) 449-6840.

“Vaudeville Extravaganza” — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. Presented by the Alex Film Society. This event features variety acts that made vaudeville so beloved by a generation of fans.

Saturday at 8 p.m. General admission is $25 and discounted tickets are avaliable for students.

For more information, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539.

“The Night Is a Child” — The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. “The Night is a Child” is the tale of one mother’s search for understanding as she follows her heart to Brazil, finding healing and hope in the freeing rhythm of Samba. Now through Sept. 27. For more information, including ticket prices, visit www.pasadenaplayhouse. org or call (626) 792-6142.

comedy Comedy Juicy — The Ice House Comedy Club, 24 Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Comedy Juice features several comedians as they perform their stand up comedy routines. Thursdays at 10 p.m.

General admission is $10. For more information, visit www.ice-

music Pink Martini — Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. The Portland ensemble brings old Hollywood glamour to life through their blend of French chanson, Argentine tango, soft merengue beats and vintage-chic style. Saturday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.laphil.org or call (323) 850-2000.

wellness Meditations for a Happy Life — Shoseian Whispering Pine Teahouse. 1601 W. Mountain St. The Kadampa Meditation Center California presents meditation classes Sundays from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. with instructor Sandy Schulman. Admission is $12 per class. For more information, visit www.meditateinla.org.

Free Health Clinic — Open Tuesdays 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. On a first-come, first-served basis. 134 N. Kenwood St., third floor, room 330. No job-related physicals are offered. For more information visit www.glendaleclinic.org or call (818) 243-2105, ext. 202.

Compiled by Tina Hagopian

20

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

www.elvaq.com

VAQUERO VIEWS

Campus Vendors Deliver the Goods

Photo by Allan Beglarian

RASTA CAPS, CHE POSTERS: Elena Martinez, 20, a photography major, takes a moment between classes to do some jewelry shopping at a booth in Plaza Vaquero.

By Daniel Choi

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

li Najafi sat comfortably under his tent, hidden from the bright sun.

Mina, his coworker, was also under the shade, wearing a hat just in case the sun caught a glimpse of her.

Lining the tent were tables covered with accessories. There were earrings of different shapes and sizes, necklaces to decorate the neck and chest, T-shirts with different logos, and enough hats to find a fit for all customers.

Behind them hung banners, ones representing peace and love, others supporting college and professional sports teams, and one as a tribute to the state of California.

Najafi and Mina were the first vendors on GCC’s campus for the fall semester. They spent a week on campus offering low-priced items.

Ali’s Jewelry sells NFL banners for $32 each. According to Najafi, they are 36 percent cheaper than chain stores.

Most items at Ali’s Jewelry cost less than $10.

Ali’s Jewelry will not likely be back this semester, but there will be a carousel of vendors during the fall.

One vendor that is likely to visit at least four times this semester is Creative Marketing, an independent marketing company. Creative Marketing, which works with a corporate franchise called Giant Paintball, offers a special package on paintball tickets worth $480 for $60. The package includes 12 tickets that give all-day access to multiple paintball parks and include rental gear.

Vendors like Ali’s Jewelry and Creative Marketing tour colleges around southern California as a means of meeting customers. Some other colleges they visit are PCC, El Camino College, Harbor College, CSUSB, and USC. Each college charges different rental fees. It costs $100 a day to reserve a spot at GCC, same at PCC, but half

the price at El Camino, $40 at Harbor, and $30 at CSUSB. At USC, it costs $200.

Ali’s Jewelry makes 30 percent more than a minimum wage worker would earn on a 12 to 14 hour shift. According to Ali, that percentage is higher at USC. Though the school’s rental fee is comparably high, he normally reaps greater profit at USC than he would at other campuses, possibly due to a bigger student population and more students willing to spend. And apparently, less bargaining.

USC, however, is not the only arena for good business. One employee for Creative Marketing called the quality of business at GCC “very good,” and said, “You guys are one of the higher population schools. You have many kids here. And you have high attendance.”

The Office of Student Affairs collects the rental fees and uses them to help fund various campus activities and programs in need. “The needs may vary from year to year, but some past expenses include seed money to establish scholarships, emergency book loans/grants for students, transportation costs for the GCC cheerleading team, equipment and facilities expenses for athletic teams, sponsorship of campus events, training for student leaders, college graduation ceremony costs, etcetera,” said Dean of Student Affairs Paul Schlossman.

Other than paying the rental fee and getting approval from the office, vendors must follow certain rules and regulations in order to sell on campus.

Some examples are conducting business within an assigned area and selling only between the hours of 8. a.m and 8 p.m.

To reserve a spot on campus, call (818) 240-1000 ext. 5592 or visit the Student Affairs office located in the J.W. Smith Student Center, room SC202.

Daniel Choi can be reached at Daniel_Choi@elvaq.com